Robert Redford ‘to star in Bryson movie’

Actor Robert Redford could produce and star in a film based on a book by travel writer Bill Bryson, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

A Walk in the Woods was written by Bryson in 1998, about a journey along the Appalachian Trail.

The movie has been under consideration for some time. At one stage there were rumours of a reunion with Paul Newman.

The Hollywood Reporter says Barry Levinson is discussing the possibility of directing the film.

Bryson’s book is an account of his hike along the trail – much of it wilderness – which stretches from Georgia to Maine in the eastern US.

The movie would be dependent on Redford giving it script approval. But the writers’ strike has delayed the production of a draft.

Redford is also reported to be considering moving ahead with another film about baseball manager Branch Rickey who helped break down the racial divide in the sport.